Chris Boden

Howard was an impressed onlooker at the other end of the pitch at Goodison Park on Saturday as his old Manchester United colleague turned in an outstanding display.

Everton beat Burnley 1-0 with a Kevin Mirallas strike, but Heaton had earlier saved superbly from a Ross Barkley penalty, while he also went on to deny Leighton Baines and Gareth Barry as he helped keep the score down for the 10-man Clarets.

Howardwas with Heaton at Old Trafford for three years before the American joined the Toffees in 2007.

Heaton also had to leave United three years later to further his career, joining Cardiff and Bristol City before linking up with Burnley.

And Howard said: “He’s had a fantastic season.

“It’s very tough being in the position Burnley find themselves in.

“It’s a credit to Tom and the way he has kept going.

“I was with Tom at Manchester United – he was a young kid in the reserve team – and he has done very well for himself and had a good career since he left Manchester United.”

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